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Chapter 52. An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere. The Scope of Ecology. 1. What environmental factors determine the geographic distribution of gray whales? 2. How do variations in their food supply affect the size of the gray whale population?
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Chapter 52 An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere
The Scope of Ecology • 1. What environmental factors determine the geographic distribution of gray whales? • 2. How do variations in their food supply affect the size of the gray whale population? • Ecology – the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment • https://www.learner.org/jnorth/images/graphics/gwhale/maps/map_annual.gif • http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/whale_graymigration
Hierarchy of scales that ecologists study • https://quizlet.com/bioteach57
52.1 Ecology integrates all areas of biological research and informs environmental decision making • Discovery science - describes natural structures and processes as accurately as possible through careful observation and analysis of data • Experimental science – generate hypotheses, manipulate the environment, and observe the outcome • Ex) Fig. 52.3 – Findings? Advantages over using discovery science instead?
Linking Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Ecological effect vs an evolutionary effect
Ecology and Environmental Issues • Science vs advocacy • https://www.neiwpcc.org/npsconference/12-presentations/Saffert_NJ%20Fertilizer%20Law.pdf • http://nj.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/envh10.sci.life.eco.silentspring/rachel-carsons-silent-spring/
52.2 Interactions between organisms and the environment limit the distribution of species • Where and why do species occur where they do? • Biotic vs abiotic factors • https://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/129184136.png • Fig 52.5
Dispersal and Distribution • The movement of individuals away from their area of origin or from centers of high population density. • Is dispersal a key factor in limiting the distribution of a species? • Natural range expansions vs species transplants • Fig. 52.7 Dispersal of the cattle egret in the Americas • Potential range vs actual range • http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birding/european-starling/
Behavior and Habitat Selection • Must be able to tolerate conditions in the habitat and be able to find the resources it needs to survive • https://ipm.illinois.edu/fieldcrops/insects/european_corn_borer.pdf
Biotic Factors • Does the presence of other species limit distribution? • Predation, parasitism, or competition • Fig. 52.8 Does feeding by sea urchins limit seaweed distribution?